bed by a curious dream. In his vision he saw an angel descend on
broad white pinions to his bedside, and the heavenly visitant bade
him in the name of the Lord go forth and steal some of his neighbour's
goods. The angel warned him ere he departed that the speedy forfeiture
of throne and life would be the penalty for disregarding the divine
injunction.

The astonished Emperor pondered the strange message, but finally
decided that it was but a dream, and he turned on his side to finish his
interrupted slumbers. Scarcely had he closed his eyelids, however,
ere the divine messenger was again at his side, exhorting him in
still stronger terms to go forth and steal ere the night passed, and
threatening him this time with the loss of his soul if he failed to
obey.

When the angel again disappeared the trembling monarch raised himself
in bed, sorely troubled at the difficulty of his situation. That he, so
rich, so powerful that he wanted for nothing, should be asked to go out
in the dead of night and steal his neighbour's goods, like any of the
common robbers whom he was wont to punish so severely! No! the thing was
preposterous. Some fiend had appeared in angelic form to tempt him. And
again his weary head sank in his pillow. Rest, however, was denied him.
For a third time the majestic being appeared, and in tones still more
stern demanded his obedience.

"If thou be not a thief," said he, "ere yonder moon sinks in the west,
then art thou lost, body and soul, for ever."

The Emperor could no longer disbelieve the divine nature of the message,
and he arose sadly, dressed himself in full armour, and took up his
sword and shield, his spear and hunting-knife. Stealthily he quitted
his chamber, fearing every moment to be discovered. He imagined himself
being detected by his own court in the act of privily leaving his own
palace, as though he were a robber, and the thought was intolerable. But
his fears were unfounded; all--warders, porters, pages, grooms, yea, the
very dogs and horses--were wrapped in a profound slumber. Confirmed in
his determination by this miracle--for it could be nothing less--the
Emperor saddled his favourite horse, which alone remained awake, and set
out on his quest.

It was a beautiful night in late autumn. The moon hung like a silver
shield in the deep blue arch of the sky, casting weird shadows on the
slopes and lighting the gloom of the ancient forests. But Charlemagne
had no eye for scenery at the